backspace/highlighting doesn't erase/change mistakes! HELP!

[Distressed Word User]

Until recently i was able to highlight words and use backspace button to get
rid of someting in a word document. Now it doesn't work. I can't figure out
if some settings were changed. The only thing that works is using the delete
key or using backspace and getting rid of letters one by one. I have no idea
how to change it. It's really annoying and wreaks havoc when typing large
documents.
HElp!

 

[Jay Freedman]

Until recently i was able to highlight words and use backspace button to get
rid of someting in a word document. Now it doesn't work. I can't figure out
if some settings were changed. The only thing that works is using the delete
key or using backspace and getting rid of letters one by one. I have no idea
how to change it. It's really annoying and wreaks havoc when typing large
documents.
HElp!

In Tools > Options > Edit, check the box for "Typing replaces
selection".